Les Moonves better clear some time on his schedule for a call from Jerry Brown – though the California Governor might not like what the CBS boss has to tell him. On the other hand, NY Gov. Andrew Cuomomight be very happy because sources tell me that despite the efforts by politicians on both Coasts, the Late Show is almost certainly going to stay in NYC once Stephen Colbert takes over as host next year. Despite Cuomo adding his two cents today (see the Gov’s statement below) other elected officials’ efforts and the fact that CBS hasn’t announced a location for the new incarnation of the Late Show, it is highly unlikely that the franchise is leaving NYC’s Ed Sullivan Theatre. “Moving the Late Show just isn’t practical,” one insider said. “Plus there’ll be more than enough of a change with the handoff from Letterman to Colbert without piling more on unnecessarily.” Add to that the fact is that Colbert’s family is based on the East Coast and the historic Sullivan Theatre is a legacy that is very important to Moonves.

After David Letterman announced last week that he was retiring down next year, Moonves got the full court press from NYC and LA on wanting the new Late Show in their town. Now that Colbert has been proclaimed Letterman’s successor, the latest call is coming from higher up the political food chain. “We must ensure that the Late Show’s long and proud history of making the nation laugh from New York continues for years to come,” said NY’s Cuomo today. Pledging to call Moonves about the matter, the NY Governor’s direct intervention comes just two days after LA Mayor Eric Garcetti and Film Czar Ken Ziffren pitched the exec on the phone themselves about bringing the late-night franchise to the West Coast. Their call was one day after NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio urged the CBS boss to keep the Late Show in the Big Apple. Both followed a letter writing campaign from SAG-AFTRA card carrier Garcetti andNew York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito last week.

Recent Comments

Whateverman you are an idiot.....He does real interviews. These are not scripted skits. I guess you must...

George Kramer

1 year

NBC sold the entire Burbank production facility 5-6 years ago, but leased the studio where Leno taped...

WhateverMan

1 year

That was me, John Whorfin. Please come off the spaceship and learn what "context" means. And my...

Of course, L.A., which already has a lot of late night skin in the game, could offer up incentives galore like NY did to snag The Tonight Show back after more than 40 years when Jimmy Fallon took over this year but even then I’m told it would be a very had sell with the powers-that-be. I joked earlier this week that the Governors would be getting involved in this so maybe Gov. Brown can offer CBS a deal they can’t refuse. Maybe. In the meantime, read NY Gov. Cuomo’s statement here:

With East Coast based host Stephen Colbert taking the reins of the “Late Show,” it’s clear we should keep the show where it belongs – here in New York. I am calling CBS President and Chief Executive Officer Les Moonves and urging that CBS continue the “Late Show’s” history of filming in New York’s own legendary Ed Sullivan Theater. Our state is a top destination for entertainment businesses to thrive and grow, creating jobs and economic opportunities for communities across the State, and late night programs are a major part of that success.

13 Comments

Brian Holt • on Apr 10, 2014 4:14 pm

Too Bad!! I was really looking forward to L.A being revived with the “Late Show” moving to California. Damn Gov. Brown and LA Mayor didn’t play hardball enough, I hope they still have a fighting chance to pitch a late night TV show move to LA again! Better luck next time, sucks but congrats NYC!

Vincent Hanna • on Apr 10, 2014 4:14 pm

It’s going to take a lot more than this to “revive” Los Angeles.

CBS is for the over 60 crowd • on Apr 10, 2014 4:14 pm

Les loves everyone else’s leftovers… no thanks.

BD • on Apr 10, 2014 4:14 pm

Anyone know what’s going on with the Tonight’s Show’s old studios? There was the one Jay last used, plus the one at the Universal lot where they built one for Conan. It’s a shame if they’re being wasted, but at the same time, it’s cool having all that activity in NY. Maybe Colbert’s replacement at Comedy Central can do the show from L.A.

Stan • on Apr 10, 2014 4:14 pm

All of the studios that shot “The Tonight Show” were owned by Universal/NBC so its very doubtful they will let a competing show use the studio.

George Kramer • on Apr 10, 2014 4:14 pm

NBC sold the entire Burbank production facility 5-6 years ago, but leased the studio where Leno taped TTS.

Conan’s new studio at Universal was taken over by Chelsa Handler’s show 12-18 months ago.

WhateverMan • on Apr 10, 2014 4:14 pm

Colbert as a Late Show host will crash and burn. The man has no experience doing interviews.

He does excel at skits – but only because his entire career has been one long skit. He has no demonstrated ability to sit and have a conversation.

I think the non-Colbert Colbert will wear out his welcome quickly.

fluffo • on Apr 10, 2014 4:14 pm

“He has no demonstrated ability to sit and have a conversation.”

Yeah ’cause that takes a LOT of skill. To talk somebody.

You sound dumb.

John Whorfin • on Apr 10, 2014 4:14 pm

I’m pretty sure Colbert’s contract stipulates the show remains in NYC, but of course CBS doesn’t want everyone to know that because then they can’t grab those tax incentives.

And to the moron WhateverMan who commented that “Colbert has no experience doing interviews”… wow. Ignorant much?

WhateverMan • on Apr 10, 2014 4:14 pm

That was me, John Whorfin. Please come off the spaceship and learn what “context” means.

And my statement stands. A non-Colbert Colbert, outside of his Kaufmanesque eternal skit, doesn’t have any experience doing real interviews. He’s spent nearly 20 years presenting as a perpetual buffoon, not an independent real world personality.

Of course, if you think those interviews he’s done are genuine interviews then you are too far gone to ever learn the difference.

CBS picked people based on Twitter ratings. I have a feeling once a non-Colbert Colbert sits behind a desk, we will see more shades of Chevy Chase’s show than a Late Night staple.

The final decision actually rests with the new host. Colbert’s team has likely already negotiated where the new show will be produced, and I’m guessing he’ll stay in New York. CBS will try to play the two cities & states against each other to get a better deal, but Colbert’s not going west, middle-aged man.

Will • on Apr 10, 2014 4:14 pm

I’ve been to the Ed Sullivan Theater Office Building, where the Late Show has their offices. CBS needs to completely fumigate the place. Letterman’s offices haven’t been cleaned since the 90s since production hasn’t stopped. It’s comically disgusting. Hope there’s time in between Letterman’s and Colbert’s reigns for some cleaning.

Dan • on Apr 10, 2014 4:14 pm

Whateverman you are an idiot…..He does real interviews. These are not scripted skits. I guess you must be one of those who think Stewart and Colbert do fake news stories…..